New Delhi: The National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) has approved Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹735.70 crore for three Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana.
The approval was given at the fifth NSC meeting held under the chairpersonship of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Secretary Debashree Mukherjee. With the latest sanction, the total investment approved under PM-SETU has risen to ₹2,171 crore across nine ITI clusters.
The approved plans will support infrastructure upgrades, modernisation of existing trades, introduction of new long- and short-term courses and strengthening of ITI operations through an industry-led hub-and-spoke model.
₹735.70 Crore Approved Across Three Clusters
The latest approvals are distributed across the three states as follows:
- Rajasthan – ₹241 crore: The Bhiwadi ITI cluster, with Government ITI Bhiwadi as the Hub and ITIs at Alwar, Neemrana, Tijara and Kishangarh Bas as Spokes. The SIP was submitted by H.G. Infra Engineering Limited (HGIEL).
- Telangana – ₹254.30 crore: The Medchal ITI cluster, with Government ITI Medchal as the Hub and ITIs at Alwal, Shameerpet, Kukunoorpally and Siddipet as Spokes. The SIP was submitted by ZEN Technologies Limited.
- Uttar Pradesh – ₹240.40 crore: The Meerut ITI cluster, with Government ITI Saket, Meerut as the Hub and ITIs at Ghaziabad, Hapur, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Baghpat as Spokes. The SIP was submitted by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
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Medchal Plan Approved After Clarifications
The Medchal cluster proposal had earlier been deferred during the fourth NSC meeting because the committee sought additional information on operational and financial aspects.
Following clarifications from ZEN Technologies on the proposed course structure, financial calculations, eligibility, documentation and civil works, the committee found the responses satisfactory and approved the ₹254.30-crore plan.
Rajasthan Becomes First State to Sign PM-SETU Agreement
A key development at the meeting was the signing of a Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA) between H.G. Infra Engineering Limited, the Government of Rajasthan and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the Bhiwadi ITI cluster.
According to the government, Rajasthan is the first state to execute an SHA under PM-SETU, formally commencing implementation of its Bhiwadi cluster.
Industry-Led Model to Modernise Government ITIs
PM-SETU follows a cluster-based Hub-and-Spoke model, under which a Hub ITI is supported by a group of Spoke ITIs.
The approved SIPs provide for:
- Modernisation of ITI infrastructure
- Upgradation of existing trades
- Introduction of new long-term and short-term courses
- Strengthening of operational capabilities
- Greater industry participation in ITI training
- Alignment of courses with changing industry requirements
The SIPs were evaluated and recommended by the respective State Steering Committees before being placed before the National Steering Committee.
The latest approvals are expected to expand the capacity of government ITIs to provide training aligned with emerging technologies and industry requirements, while strengthening the linkage between vocational training and employment.
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